Getting to know: Gerald Roberson

It felt like a long time coming for Gerald Roberson, but the senior running back finally had the big game he was looking for this season.

Roberson rushed for a season-high three touchdowns in a 72-yard effort to help Bluffton High beat James Island in its homecoming game Friday. The Bobcats needed every point Roberson scored, as they rallied from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 35-34.

With super back B.J. Hill sidelined by an injury, Roberson has spent much of the season starting in his place. A returning starter at wing back, Roberson wasn’t getting as many touches as he did last fall.

That changed Friday, when Hill returned to the lineup for some situations against James Island. Roberson got a few snaps at wing, where he is more comfortable, and he hopes to play there more in this week’s visit to Hilton Head Island.

Roberson also hopes to be one week closer to full speed himself. He has had two surgeries this year, for a sports hernia in January and an ankle injury he suffered in last year’s playoff loss at Northwestern.

Bluffton Today caught up with Roberson before practice Monday for a short question-and-answer session.

Bluffton Today: It seemed like Friday was a breakout game for you this year.

Roberson: I just played hard. I wanted to score and it just came to me.

BT: Can you talk me through the injuries you’ve dealt with since last season ended?

Roberson: I had to get surgery because I was working extremely hard, and it created a hernia. It took eight weeks to heal, so I was away from the weight room. Then, after that, I started having problems with my ankle so I had it looked at and they told me I had to get surgery because I had fluid and inflammation in it. It’s been really hard to get back to top speed and flexibility with it.

BT: How is your ankle feeling now?

Roberson: I feel like it’s coming along. It’s loosening up and I’m able to have the flexibility I used to have. That’s a big part of my running.

BT: When did you first hurt your ankle?

Roberson: I rolled my ankle at Northwestern, so I kept icing it. I kept going on it and working out, and then the hernia came.

BT: Were you happy to play some snaps at wing back against James Island?

Roberson: It felt amazing. I hope to be full-go back at wing. That’s what I’ve been looking forward to.

BT: Do you hope to play football in college next year?

Roberson: I hope I get to play somewhere. Where? I don’t know, but eventually it will come.

BT: Do you have a favorite school right now?

Roberson: Appalachian State. They’ve been at a couple games to see me. I like their offense. They run something similar to Bluffton. I want to go somewhere where I can fit it.

BT: Have you reached out to any other schools that interest you?

Roberson: I’ve sent a lot of letters out to schools, but none of them have gotten back to me.

BT: What is your favorite class in school?

Roberson: I like entrepreneurship and I love English.

BT: What do you want to study in college?

Roberson: I want to major in communications. I want to be a sports agent or a sports broadcaster.

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